Tess Clare is the indie artist of our dreams. Her lyrics resonate deeply with all those who have felt at odds with their sexuality, those who have wished they were someone else in order to be loved, and those who are done with the male gaze. As someone who ticks all three boxes, Clare’s ability to transfer raw emotion into songs that make you feel powerful and understood is a talent we are thankful to benefit from.
Her latest release, “Not Here for You,” officially drops Friday, September 27. We got an early listen and the dreamy, danceable anthem did not disappoint. The single adds another layer to her sound, showcasing an evolving musical style along with her signature relatable lyrics. In a song about independence and the rejection of a savior, Clare sings about the downfall of over-romanticizing relationships, giving permission to herself and her listeners to let go of fixations that do not serve them.
We’ve had our eyes (and ears) on Clare since her first EP, All I’m Used To, started appearing in Spotify editorial playlists like Indie Pop. After she released her single “Never Be a Boy,” we were hooked. And we’re not the only ones: “Never Be a Boy” was number one on the Grammy’s 2024 Pride Month Playlist and was included in Apple Music’s “New in Alternative” editorial playlist.
Tess Clare’s angsty lyrics and head-bobbing melodies make her the perfect artist to fuel both your feminine rage and your feminist righteousness. What more could we ask for in an artist?
